Maternal mortality data is murky — but the crisis faced by new moms is clearMaternal mortality issue long clouded by conflicting data, reporting methods. Experts say it's time to focus on the qualitative aspects of improving care. Dec 20 24December 20, 2024Article at STAT
Addressing the “postpartum cliff” may be as simple as a sending few text messagesAdobe Most pregnant people are in regular touch with their maternity care providers over the course of nine months, with ever-more-frequent visits, tests, and scans as their due date nears. For many patients, this is the first time in their lives… Jul 16 24July 16, 2024Article at STAT
Infant deaths increased after Texas banned abortion in early pregnancyAdobe Since Texas’ ban on abortion went into effect, infant deaths in the state increased by nearly 13%, according to a new analysis published on Monday in JAMA Pediatrics. In the rest of the country, infant mortality increased less than 2% over the… Jun 24 24June 24, 2024Article at STAT
Screen early in pregnancy for gestational diabetes, new Lancet series urgesAdobe Gestational diabetes affects one in seven expecting women globally and rates of this troubling condition are rising. Blood glucose levels that become elevated for the first time during pregnancy can lead to severe complications, such as… Jun 20 24June 20, 2024Article at STAT
Heat waves associated with increased risk of preterm birth in the U.S.Rebecca Noble/Getty Images Heat waves are becoming more frequent and more intense, posing more of a health risk around the world. High temperatures can be deadly, and are especially dangerous for those with cardiovascular and chronic disease — but… May 28 24May 28, 2024Article at STAT
How a scientific slip-up caused a pregnant woman to get an untested treatment for preterm birthJosé A. Alvarado Jr. for STAT Makena, once the only available treatment to prevent preterm birth, has had its share of controversy. A yearslong debate over the drug’s effectiveness led the Food and Drug Administration to withdraw its approval of the… Apr 22 24April 22, 2024Article at STAT
Pregnancy increases biological age — but recovery and breastfeeding can undo the damage, study findsAdobe Pregnancy is a known stressor on the body. But a new study published on Friday in Cell Metabolism found that while pregnancy accelerates the body’s biological clock, much of that effect is reversed after delivery, especially in people who… Mar 22 24March 22, 2024Article at STAT
Embryo loss is integral to IVF. Alabama’s ruling equating embryos with children jeopardizes its practiceLynne Sladky/AP An embryo is one of the earliest stages of development of a multicellular organism. But according to the Supreme Court of Alabama, it is a person, too — an unborn child, entitled to the same legal protections as any minor. The court… Feb 22 24February 22, 2024Article at STAT
Male birth control gets another shot with small new trial of non-hormonal pillAdobe From several types of hormonal pills to implants, IUDs, and vaginal rings, women have a lot of birth control choices that are both non-surgical and reversible. Men have just one: Condoms, which are 87% effective in preventing pregnancy, and… Dec 13 23December 13, 2023Article at STAT
Preterm birth and infant mortality measures in U.S. remain stubbornly highAdobe Preterm births and infant mortality are at alarming levels in the U.S., according to a new report published on Thursday by March of Dimes. In 2022, 10.4% of all babies were born premature — before 37 weeks of gestation — a slight improvement… Nov 17 23November 17, 2023Article at STAT
The official definition of infertility now includes LGBTQ+ and single peopleYUICHI YAMAZAKI/AFP via Getty Images Infertility has a new definition in the U.S. — one that could make a big difference to would-be parents who are single or LGBTQ+. Last week, the American Society for Reproductive Medicine (ASRM) issued an expanded… Oct 24 23October 24, 2023Article at STAT
Why doesn’t the U.S. have more Black midwives?In the wake of growing alarm over the disproportionately high rates of maternal mortality in the U.S., maternal health experts have been pushing for changes — including expanding the midwife workforce. Studies have shown that deliveries attended by… Sep 18 23September 18, 2023Article at STAT
A new mom’s illness led to the first diagnosis of a rare condition after childbirthGERARD JULIEN/AFP/Getty Images Figuring out the right medical diagnosis for patients can be a tricky process. The recent case of a woman who became sick with a life-threatening disease shortly after giving birth shows how many factors had to align to… Aug 16 23August 16, 2023Article at STAT
A new study shows how Medicaid coverage policies shape maternal health disparitiesAdobe Medicaid is an essential source of maternal and postpartum care for low-income Americans, covering 42% of births in the U.S. People who give birth receive maternity care until at least two months after delivery, or longer depending on state or… Jul 18 23July 18, 2023Article at STAT
Why maternal mortality is so hard to measure — and why the problem may get worseRogelio V. Solis/AP Every new data point or report appears to confirm it: The U.S. is in the midst of a mounting maternal mortality crisis. With more than 32 maternal deaths per 100,000 live births, the risk of dying during pregnancy or in the year… Jul 11 23July 11, 2023Article at STAT
More American women over 40 are having babies. Their risk of dying from it keeps rising tooGiving birth in the US has long been a dangerous affair. In 2021, on average, 32.8 women died of pregnancy-related causes for every 100,000 live births, according to newly released data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). That… Mar 17 23March 17, 2023Article at Quartz
Giving birth in the US is becoming a deadlier affairThat the US is a deadly country for new mothers, particularly Black mothers, has become a well-known fact. In the past few years, the issue has been addressed by a series of policy proposals, campaign statements, and even a dedicated Black Maternal… Feb 27 23February 27, 2023Article at Quartz
In Colombia, women’s health paid the price of misguided drug control policiesAir-spraying of glyphosate to destroy coca plantations has caused miscarriages, fetal abnormalities, and maternal deaths In 1998, Yaneth Valderrama was four months pregnant with her third child, when she was accidentally sprayed with glyphosate, a… Nov 23 22November 23, 2022Article at Quartz
How to safely give birth in emergency situationsHurricanes, cyclones, earthquakes, and other calamities are a terrifying reminder of little control we have over own life. But while we might be more used to contemplating our powerlessness in the context of mortality, we are just as helpless in the… Sep 28 22September 28, 2022Article at Quartz
More than 80% of maternal deaths in the US are preventableThe tragedy of maternal mortality in the US is no longer secret, but it’s not improving, either. Official rates have continued to rise, from 17.4 out of every 100,000 live births in 2018 to 23.8 in 2020. Covid increased 2020 deaths, as did better… Sep 23 22September 23, 2022Article at Quartz
